At $16,051/yr net price, Butler Community College graduates earn $41,206/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,206/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,051 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,204 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,206/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,206/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,086/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,464/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,307/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,282/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,278/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,470 | $16,415 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $27,439 | $21,915 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,571 | $9,750 |
The Risk Factor
29.8% of students at Butler Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Butler Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $41,206 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $16,051 annually. The 29.8% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without completing their program, making this a high-risk investment for many.
Nursing stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, generating $48,470 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $16,415. This reflects strong demand for nurses in Kansas and makes Butler viable for students committed to healthcare careers. Computer technology management also shows promise at $38,289, though debt data is unavailable for comparison.
Most other programs fail to justify their costs. Accounting graduates earn just $27,439 while carrying $21,915 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain budgets for years. Liberal arts students face even bleaker prospects with $23,571 earnings, though their lower debt burden of $9,750 limits long-term damage.
Butler works best for local students who can live at home and minimize costs while pursuing nursing or technical fields. The low 30.75% financial aid rate suggests limited scholarship opportunities, so you will likely pay most costs out of pocket. If you are uncertain about your career direction or considering liberal arts, community colleges with stronger job placement records offer better value. Students serious about four-year degrees should transfer quickly after completing core requirements to avoid the completion rate trap that derails most Butler students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butler Community College worth the cost compared to other Kansas community colleges?
Butler Community College's net price of $16,051 annually is higher than many Kansas community colleges, but graduates earn $41,206 after 10 years. The nursing program offers strong returns at $48,470 median earnings, making it worthwhile for healthcare-focused students despite the higher cost.
What are the best paying programs at Butler Community College?
Registered Nursing leads Butler Community College's programs with $48,470 median earnings, followed by Computer/Information Technology at $38,289. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $23,571, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Butler Community College graduates typically have?
Butler Community College graduates have a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable for most programs. However, with only a 29.8% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I attend Butler Community College if I'm unsure about my major?
Butler Community College's 29.8% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs. Given the $16,051 annual cost, students should have clear career goals, particularly since earnings vary dramatically between programs from $23,571 to $48,470.